Flashback Weekend Spotlight: Betsy Russell, “Out of Control”

Big Gay Horror Fan well remembers the thrills and chills of getting trapped on that Ferris Wheel, overlooking the city of Chicago, with his follow Novices of Bloodlust and Pink Leather. I look back, fondly, on those many games of corseted Truth or Dare and hours of Slurpee dunking that we partook in while waiting for our rescue.

Similarly, in the 1984 lensed/1985 released Out of Control, horror seductress Betsy Russell (the Saw series, Cheerleader Camp, Camp Fear) and her friends (played by such pop culture and genre regulars as Sherilyn Fenn, Claudia Udy, Martin Hewitt and Jim Youngs) deal with their boredom, while marooned on a deserted island, by slamming back illegal bottles of vodka and playing strip spin the bottle! Soon, though, a bunch of unshaven bandits descend upon them, effectively ending our teens’ free-for-all fun and sending them down the path of Straw Dogs style vengeance making.

Highlighted by goofy MTV style (New Wave pulsing) video shenanigans and Scooby Doo inspired chase scenes, this silly romp mixes things up by incorporating some pretty intense rape imagery (with homosexual overtones – as the film’s male comic relief character is tied up and threatened with sexual savagery, as well). Russell’s character, meanwhile, is also given a bit more depth than a regular terror film heroine.

Her Chrissie Barret has long been involved with the most popular (and richest) kid at the school. Yet, Barret is not content, as she flirts with other guys and, slowly, begins the process of finding herself. Even as the kids make their escape at the film’s ending, you can tell that Barret is reaching far beyond her previous realms and Russell’s often sad, powerfully confused portrayal adds layers to this (crazily fun) action-teen adventure-revenge film mish-mash.

If you are in the Midwest on August 9th, 10th and 11th (2013), be sure to plan a visit with the always glorious Russell at Chicago’s own terror convention, Flashback Weekend! http://www.flashbackweekend.com